Honestly, if you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway through Newport Coast, you can’t miss it. The Resort at Pelican Hill looks like someone took a giant, 16th-century Italian village and dropped it right onto the California cliffs. It’s huge. It’s gold. And it’s basically the closest thing Southern California has to a royal palace.
But here’s the thing. There is a ton of noise right now about what’s actually happening behind the gates. If you’ve been following the news, you know there’s been a massive shift in who’s running the show. For years, this was the crown jewel of the Irvine Company. Now? Marriott has stepped in, and the property is officially on the road to becoming the world’s first "St. Regis Estate" by 2027.
People are worried. I get it. Whenever a corporate giant takes over an independent icon, the first thing everyone asks is: "Is it going to lose its soul?"
The St. Regis Era: What’s Actually Changing?
Basically, Pelican Hill is in a transitional phase. It’s currently part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, but it hasn’t fully rebranded to the St. Regis name yet. That "Estate" designation is a new, ultra-exclusive tier Marriott is launching, and Pelican Hill is the guinea pig.
The good news? They aren't tearing it down. The bad news? Expect construction.
The resort is currently undergoing what they’re calling a "thoughtful Renaissance." This isn't just a new coat of paint. We’re talking about:
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- The Bungalows and Villas: Every single one is getting a redesigned interior. If you’ve stayed there recently, you know the rooms were starting to feel a bit... 2008. The new look aims for a more "residential" feel, which is code for "it will look like a $20 million Newport Beach mansion inside."
- The Culinary Scene: The biggest bummer for regulars has been the closure of Andrea, their signature Northern Italian spot. Word on the street—and from the staff—is that a world-renowned celebrity chef from LA is taking over the space.
- The Service: This is where the St. Regis DNA kicks in. You’ve probably heard of the St. Regis Butler Service. That’s coming. So is the daily "Sabrage" (opening champagne with a sword) and the classic Afternoon Tea.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the Coliseum Pool
You’ve seen it on Instagram. The Coliseum Pool is literally a perfect circle, 136 feet in diameter. It’s lined with over 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles that make the water look like a shimmering emerald.
It’s stunning. Really.
But what most people don’t realize is that it’s a saltwater pool. It doesn't have that harsh chlorine smell that ruins your swimsuit. If you’re not staying at the resort, you can still grab a lunch reservation at the Coliseum Pool & Grill. It’s one of the few ways to "test drive" the property without dropping $1,200 on a room. Get the pizza. Seriously.
The Golf Situation: North vs. South
If you're a golfer, Pelican Hill is likely already on your bucket list. Tom Fazio designed both 18-hole courses—Ocean North and Ocean South.
Which one should you play? It depends on what you want.
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The Ocean South course is the one people talk about most because it has holes that practically touch the beach. Holes 12 and 13 are the showstoppers. The 13th even has two separate greens, which is just Fazio showing off, honestly.
The Ocean North course is longer and higher up. You get those massive, 270-degree panoramic views of the Pacific. It’s a bit more "canyon-heavy," so bring extra balls. You’re going to lose a few to the ravines.
The "Local" Secrets (and the Celebs)
Newport Coast isn't just a tourist spot; it’s where the actual "Old Money" of Orange County lives. Because Pelican Hill is guard-gated and spread over 500 acres, it’s a magnet for people who don't want to be seen.
Sophia Vergara, Mario Lopez, and various Real Housewives are regulars. Kobe Bryant used to live just a stone's throw away in the Pelican Crest community.
If you want the "local" experience, head to the Caffè & Market in the morning. You’ll see people in $200 yoga sets grabbing lattes and house-made gelato. You don't have to be a guest to visit the market, and it’s a great spot to grab a "Pelican Picnic" before heading down to Crystal Cove State Beach across the street.
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Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. Pelican Hill is expensive. Even for Newport Beach standards.
If you’re looking for a standard hotel room, you won't find one here. Everything is either a Bungalow (starting at 847 square feet) or a Villa (which can go up to 3,500 square feet). These aren't rooms; they are houses.
Most people get it wrong by staying for just one night. The resort is designed for "slow luxury." It’s about spending three hours at the spa—which, by the way, has a Roman-style Acqua Colonnade that is genuinely life-changing—and then watching the sunset from your private terrace with a fireplace.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit:
- Timing is Everything: If you want to avoid the construction "vibe" during the St. Regis transition, check for the most recent room renovation updates before booking.
- The "Secret" Pool: If you book a Villa, you get access to the Villa Clubhouse pool. It’s much quieter than the Coliseum and has a better view of the sunset.
- Walk to Crystal Cove: Don't just stay on the property. There is a pedestrian bridge that takes you right down to the Crystal Cove historic district. Have a drink at the Beachcomber Cafe, then walk back up the hill to burn off the calories.
- Marriott Points: Since the 2024 takeover, you can finally use and earn Bonvoy points here. If you have a stash of points, this is one of the best "high-value" redemptions in the entire Marriott system.
The Resort at Pelican Hill is changing, no doubt about it. But as long as those Italian pines are standing and the sun is setting over the 18th green, it’s still the king of the Newport Coast.